Cohesion and coherence in advanced English
10 + 1 must-have grammar structures
Did you know that in the Cambridge C1 / C2 exams it is not enough to complete the writing task using correct English while answering the question?
Based on the Cambridge correction guidelines: Candidates must have “sufficient flexibility to communicate complex ideas in an effective way, holding the target reader’s attention with ease, fulfilling all communicative purposes.”
Unless you include complex ideas and manage to communicate them effectively, your exam scores remain under C1. Communicating complex ideas can only be done when you are well aware of advanced cohesive devices. If I say cohesive devices, a lot of students immediately think of some more advanced linking words, and they quickly add them to their writing piece – most of the time without even knowing how to properly use them (!) - and end up with even more mistakes.
Using advanced cohesive devices imply that you are familiar with both grammar and vocabulary structures to connect ideas logically and with flexibility.
Check out these advanced grammar structures, which are indispensable when answering Cambridge C1 / C2 writing tasks, whether you are writing a report, a proposal or even an essay.
1. Relative Clauses: Relative clauses provide extra information about a noun.
The new regulations, which were introduced last month, have already started to affect our sales in the region, resulting in plummeting demands from our costumers.
The research paper, which explored the implications of artificial intelligence on global trade, highlighted how these technological advancements could impact the labour force, from job displacement in traditional sectors to new opportunities in AI-driven industries.
2. Conditionals: Conditionals show relationships between conditions and outcomes.
I am positive that if the team had received the necessary resources, the project could have been completed ahead of schedule.
Should the proposed policy be enacted, it is anticipated to substantially increase productivity within the company in the near future.
Unless additional funding is secured for the arts program, many of the extracurricular offerings to students have to be reduced next term.
3. Comparative and Superlative Structures: Comparative and superlative structures provide nuanced comparisons.
The introduction of online meeting in the company is considered to be far more effective than traditional face-to-face interactions, as it allows for greater flexibility in scheduling, eliminates travel time, and facilitates more efficient collaboration across geographically dispersed teams.
Among the features tested, the newly implemented interface on the student website was found to be the most efficient in enhancing user experience and improving access to academic resources.
4. Appositives: Appositives offer additional context or explanation.
The new proposed park, a significant addition to the city, is expected to enhance community well-being and increase recreational opportunities for residents.
This new initiative, a groundbreaking approach to sustainability, aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40% over the next year within the company.
5. Subordinating Clauses: Subordinating clauses offer additional context or information.
Given that the curriculum was recently updated, teachers will need additional training to ensure its effective implementation.
Since the financial audit revealed several discrepancies, I firmly believe that it is crucial for the company to implement more stringent oversight measures.
6. Subordinating - Concessive Clauses: Concessive clauses introduce contrasting ideas.
Despite the challenging economic climate, our charity organization achieved its annual targets and succeeded in launching a new initiative, providing scholarships to 150 students, and increasing volunteer participation by 30%.
Although the river cleanup project encountered numerous delays, it ultimately delivered results that exceeded our expectations not only by significantly improving water quality and protecting local wildlife habitats but also by increasing public engagement in environmental conservation efforts.
Even though the school has increased its focus on mental health initiatives, student well-being remains a concern in certain year groups.
Provided that the new digital learning tools are integrated properly, student performance in remote learning environments should improve.
7. Infinitive Phrases: Infinitive phrases indicate purpose or reason.
To address the rising concerns about in-house internship, the company implemented a new training program.
To mitigate the risk of juvenile crime in the region, the local police developed a comprehensive intervention plan that addresses various potential factors, including increased youth outreach programs and enhanced school security measures.
8. Gerund Phrases: Gerund phrases function as nouns and link ideas.
Improving communication within the team is essential for project success.
Addressing the emerging trends in generative AI usage, policy makers must implement measures to help students mitigate potential dangers of becoming overly reliant on AI tools, which could lead to a decline in their critical thinking skills.
9. Participial Phrases: Participial phrases provide extra information and show relationships between actions.
Recognizing the need for improvement, the management team revised their strategy.
Having reviewed the feedback collected from our attendees of the conference, we were able to draw insightful conclusions about its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
10. Nominal Clauses: Nominal clauses act as subjects or objects in a sentence.
What the new company policy aims to achieve remains unclear and so it requires a complete overhaul.
Whether the new canteen have successfully met the dietary needs and preferences of students became a topic of considerable debate among staff and students.
11. Reduced Clauses: Reduced clauses simplify sentences by omitting certain words.
The study completed last year provides valuable insights into the efficiency of public transport systems, highlighting key areas where infrastructure improvements and policy reforms could enhance both service reliability and commuter satisfaction.
The proposal submitted last quarter, outlining strategic adjustments, has already prompted a review of current practices.
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